I tell them 26 posts on 26 days of April, with Sundays off for good behavior.
While this is factually correct, it doesn't tell them all about it so if you're a blogger wondering about what A to Z Challenge is all about, read on.
Arlee Bird came up with this challenge in 2010, and no one can describe the process better than him, so I'll just link to his post. Go on, read it, I'll wait for you.
Now that you know the concept, I'll give you my take as a participant in 2011 and a co-host in 2012-13:
1. It is a community-building exercise. My co-hosts have been like my blog family, and I've met and kept hundreds of blog friends on my two blogs, Amlokiblogs and Daily (w)rite. The sign-up list was 1656 participants long at the end of the last challenge-- that's a hell lot of bloggers gathering under one roof!
2. I've enjoyed writing to theme, whether it was flash fiction, hosting other authors or going wordless. The challenge has improved my blogging by 50% (I'm lazy, so nothing can improve my blogging by 100%, sigh.). I even got a book out of it, and it still gets bought!
3. Which brings me to my next point: You get out of the A to Z Challenge what you put in it. Schedule your posts in advance according to an interesting theme, and go visit other participants during April-- you'll reap more benefits.
4. Last year, I posted on 10 tips to Ace the A to Z Challenge. They'll hold true this year as well-- and, if you choose to follow them all, you're likely to be an exhausted but ecstatic blogger at the end of April this year!
Questions? Leave them in the comments!
Here's hoping you'll join us for the amazing ride that will be Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014!
I've thought about entering before, but it just seemed too daunting! Might give it a shot, this year. Do we sign up here and when will that be available? Thanks! ☺
ReplyDeleteIt will be out end of June, watch this space for more info!
DeleteGood stuff here! Yes, the more the merrier in the Challenge! It's so easy and fun to do too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, MJ. We hope to cross 2000 on the final list this year :)
ReplyDeleteHi again; I'm confused, now. It says "April challenge" but you're saying it will be end of June? So then, perhaps you could change that in your heading.
ReplyDeleteMy bad. I meant Jan.
DeleteI had a lot of fun with this last year. Looking forward to participating again! I'm already trying to figure out my theme...
ReplyDeleteThemes are good! Hope you join again this year :)
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed doing this last year, Damyanti and am already prepping myself and a little band of people to sign on! Can't wait for the mad fun! :)
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed doing this last year, Damyanti and am already prepping myself and a little band of people to sign on! Can't wait for the mad fun! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Challenge is that, a challenge. It is so worth it, however, to establish a regular writing routine and to meet some amazing, talented, creative bloggers. I love it and have participated for the past 4 years. Still working out my theme for this year...cheers!
ReplyDeleteJen
Really want to try to join in this challenge. Just recently started blogging and this looks like fun!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the sign-up list to open again. My biggest tip for newcomers is to get as many as your posts ready and advanced scheduled (I found out how to do that in my first year) as you can, so you have plenty of time to visit all the people that visit you AND the people you 'should' visit near you on the list!
ReplyDeleteOh - Diana - I think Damyanti meant her book will be out in June - the Challenge runs from April 1st to 30th :)
Oh, whoops, that should have been for Debbie, not Diana :O
ReplyDeleteI'm fired up and ready for the 2014 Challenge!
ReplyDeletehttp://lifefaithincaneyhead.blogspot.com/2014/01/april-on-my-mind.html
Thanks for this info! By theme do you mean all the posts should somehow be related, for instance, all related to writing, or cooking, or family, etc.?
ReplyDeleteI too enjoy writing to theme :) Tech! Nice blog following!
ReplyDeleteso nice
ReplyDeleteam following your blog, please follow bACK
HERES MY NEW POST
http://melodyjacob1.blogspot.com
Linda, no, themes aren't necessary-- you could go as you please on each post.
ReplyDeleteOnly that, based on experience, themes seem to work well.
Corinne, Lara, Jen, Jemima, Barbara-- would be lovely to have you back!
ReplyDeleteDaphne, hop in, it is fun, and a great boost to your blog.
Thanks for the encouragement! I did the A-Z blogging challenge and enjoyed it. Your 10 tips remain relevant! Have a great April!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Debbie. Fascinating but daunting.
ReplyDeleteHow do you find other bloggers that are participating in this challenge too?
ReplyDeleteGreat ! How can I take part for my blog Tech2blog.com
ReplyDeleteHello. This sounds like so much fun. When are the sign ups?
ReplyDeletewhere do we sign up for the challenge please help
ReplyDelete